In Memoriam: CEP Remembers Dr. Anna Consalvo

May 15, 2025

Remembering Dr. Anna Consalvo

Dr. Anna Consalvo, a faculty member in the School of Education, died last November. One of her former colleagues, Dr. Gina Doepker, remembers her life and legacy in the following tribute.

By Dr. Gina Doepker, UT Tyler Associate Professor of Literacy Education

Dr. Annamary L. Consalvo, an esteemed associate professor of literacy at UT Tyler, passed away on Nov. 5, 2024. Her career was marked by a profound dedication to literacy education, both through her innovative research and her commitment to nurturing future educators.

Academic and Professional Journey

Dr. Consalvo earned her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on language and literacy studies from UT Austin in 2011. Prior to her doctoral studies, she taught middle and high school English, experiences that deeply informed her pedagogical approach and scholarly pursuits. At UT Tyler, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher education, literature and research methods, consistently emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the empowerment of student voices.

Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Consalvo's research interests encompassed the teaching of writing, youth voice, disciplinary and adolescent literacy, and the integration of young adult literature to foster critical conversations. Her work has been published in several reputable journals, including English JournalTeaching and Teacher EducationJournal of Language and Literacy and The ALAN Review. Notably, she co-edited “When Teaching Writing Gets Tough: Smart Ways to Reinvigorate Your Practice,” a book that offers practical strategies for educators facing challenges in teaching writing.

Leadership and Service

Dr. Consalvo was actively involved with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for decades, frequently attending annual conventions and contributing to discussions on writing, reading, censorship and intellectual freedom. She served as the facilitator for the inaugural “This Story Matters Teacher Corps,” a program aimed at empowering educators to harness the power of storytelling in their teaching practices.

Legacy

ConsalvoThroughout her career, Dr. Consalvo was committed to amplifying student voices and promoting equity in education. Her colleagues and students remember her as a passionate educator who inspired others to approach teaching with empathy, creativity and a steadfast commitment to social justice.

Her legacy continues through the countless educators she mentored and the enduring impact of her scholarly work.

Dr. Annamary L. Consalvo’s contributions to literacy education have left an indelible mark on the field, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.